For tonight’s dinner, we are making a meatless meal of crispy tofu with a creamy cashew coconut sauce and fresh snap pea salad over a bed of rice. This easy and quick meal is very healthy while packing lots of flavor. Did we mention it is vegan too?!? Â
Ingredients
1Â (14-ounce) block firm or extra-firm tofu, drained
3Â tablespoons neutral oil, such as grapeseed, vegetable or canola, plus more as needed
Kosher salt and black pepper
¾ pound snap peas, trimmed
1Â (2-inch) piece fresh ginger, peeled and grated (about 2 tablespoons)
2Â garlic cloves, grated
1Â (13-ounce) can unsweetened coconut milk (light or full-fat)
1Â tablespoon soy sauce
2Â teaspoons molasses, dark brown sugar or honey
½ cup toasted cashews
1Â tablespoon rice vinegar
4Â scallions, trimmed and thinly sliced
¼ cup mint leaves, torn if large
½ to 1 teaspoon red-pepper flakes (optional)
Rice or any steamed grain, for serving
Instructions
1. Slice the tofu into 1 inch x 2 inch rectangles and leave on paper towels to dry any excess liquid. You can also pop the tofu in the microwave for a few minutes to dry off the excess liquid. This will prevent splattering later!
2. In a medium skillet or cast-iron pan, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium-high until it shimmers. Season both sides of the tofu with salt and black pepper, place in the pan and sear without moving until tofu is browned and golden on both sides, turning once halfway through, about 8 minutes total. Move the tofu to a plate.
3. Add 1 tablespoon oil to the pan, and add the snap peas. Cook, stirring occasionally, until blistered and just tender, about 3 minutes. Season with salt and move to a bowl.
4. Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon oil, add the ginger and garlic, and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in the coconut milk, soy sauce and molasses. Simmer, stirring frequently until the sauce reduces and its color deepens to a dark brown, about 6 to 8 minutes. It should coat a spoon without running right off. Stir in the cashews, break the tofu into 1-inch pieces and toss in the pan to coat with sauce. Remove from heat, and taste and adjust seasoning, if necessary.
5. Toss the snap peas with the rice vinegar, scallions, mint and red-pepper flakes, if using. Divide among plates, along with the tofu and cashews. Serve with rice or any steamed grain.
